In the face of Soviet invasion in 1939–40, and once again in1941–44, the armies raised by Finland – a tiny nation of only 4 million people - astonished the world by their effective resistance.
At the end of both these campaigns – the Winter War and the Continuation War – the fiercely patriotic defiance of vastly stronger Soviet forces by Marshal Mannerheim's soldiers won their country a unique prize:
although forced to accept harsh terms, Finland was never occupied by the Red Army, and retained its independence.
This book explains and illustrates, for the first time in English, the organization, uniforms, equipment and tactics of Finland's defenders.
Contents
- The Winter War, 1939–40: the Finnish Army in 1939 – organization, uniforms, weapons & equipment
- Foreign aid and volunteers
- Civil Guard and Militia
- Cold weather and camouflage clothing
- Women auxiliaries
- The Continuation War, 1941–44: Alliance with Germany – the Finnish Army in 1941 – organization, uniforms, weapons & equipment
- Operation ‘Barbarossa’
- The anti-partisan war
- The Lapland War, 1944–45
- Finland’s surrender terms